Miss Universe CEO Anne Jakrajutatip (right) and Miss Grand International Pres. Nawat Itsaaragrisil/MISS UNIVERSE THAILAND FACEBOOK PHOTO
After acquiring the Thai franchise of Miss Universe, controversial figure Nawat Itsaragrisil’s homegrown organization Miss Grand International will now be organizing the 2025 pageant which will be held in Thailand.
The former rival pageants, Miss Universe and Miss Grand International, are now joining forces for the global event set for November this year, as they work together to organize the 74th Miss Universe pageant.
“Miss Grand International Public Company Limited is the exclusive licensee of the Miss Universe Organization to host the 74th Miss Universe,” said a post on the newly-created social media page “The 74th Miss Universe – Thailand” on Thursday afternoon, March 6.
“We oversee all aspects of the event, from contestant activities and production to marketing, ticket sales, and comprehensive event services, ensuring a spectacular pageant in [Thailand] this November,” continued the social media post.
Being the franchise holder of Miss Universe Thailand, MGI becomes the authorized organizer of the search for the Thai delegate to the Miss Universe pageant for five years starting in 2025.
Itsaragrisil and MGI had previously alluded to dislodging the Miss Universe pageant from its position as the leading international beauty contests.
The English-language social media post came after the Miss Universe Thailand page made the announcement in Thai, with an accompanying composite photo bearing the image of Itsaragrisil.
Miss Universe Organization co-owner and CEO Anne Jakrajutatip, in a taped video message shared last month during the Miss Universe Thailand launch, said, “I firmly believe that MUO and MGI will work hand in hand with strong commitment to create and empower women, as well as inspire people around the world.”
She said the partnership “is founded on trust, confidence, and a long-term vision. We are certain that together, we can strengthen and advance female empowerment to be even stronger and more successful.”
MGI has made a mark for mounting flashy stage productions, but it has also earned the critics’ ire for promoting over-the-top presentations from the candidates, some even featured in online memes to be made fun of.
Last year’s staging of the Miss Universe pageant was severely panned for its dismal stage production and having very few off-stage activities for the delegates, who mostly just stayed in their hotel.
It was the first edition to be mounted under the shared ownership of Jakrajutatip’s JKN Global Group of Thailand and Raul Rocha’s Legacy Holdings Group of Mexico. It was also the first pageant held after long-time president Paula Shugart left her post.